i cannot keep you safe, but i can keep you loved

Vulture

The Hebrew word “nesher” is often translated in English versions of the Bible as eagle, but most scholars agree that “griffon vulture” is at least an alternate, if not a more fitting, translation.

When God reminds Moses how He bore the Israelites on “nesher’s” wings, and when the prophet Isaiah promises that the faithful will rise up with wings like “neshers’” - think vulture instead of eagle.

Vultures may be loathsome to the average westerner, but they are some pretty badass creatures.

They are remarkable purifying machines. They take care of rotting remains that could otherwise spread diseases. They have uniquely strong digestive juices that kill bacteria and nasty pathogens.

this is a turkey vulture with leucism. the bird’s light brown color is the result of a reduction in pigment from leucism. leucistic birds rarely make it to adulthood, as they are more visible to predators, and tend to have weak eyesight & feathers.

Vultures are holy creatures.

Tending the dead.

Bowing low.

Bared head.

Whispers to cold flesh,

“Your old name is not your king.